Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is used to correct significant jaw and bite problems that cannot be fully treated with orthodontics alone. Jaw imbalances can affect chewing, speaking, breathing, and overall facial harmony. When combined with orthodontic treatment, orthognathic surgery helps improve function, balance, and long-term stability of the bite and jaw.

At Orthodontics by Bradford, Dr. Stephen Bradford and Dr. Colby Bradford work closely with trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeons to create comprehensive treatment plans that support both functional health and confident smiles.

What Is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery involves repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both so that the teeth and jaws align properly. This surgical approach is carefully coordinated with orthodontic treatment to ensure optimal results.

Corrective jaw surgery helps:

• Align the bite correctly
• Improve how the teeth fit together
• Enhance facial balance and proportions

Drs. Stephen and Colby Bradford collaborate closely with your oral surgeon to plan every stage of treatment, ensuring precision, safety, and predictable outcomes.

What Problems Can Corrective Jaw Surgery Address?

Orthognathic surgery may be recommended for patients with skeletal jaw discrepancies that affect daily function or comfort, including:

• Difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing
• Chronic jaw pain or joint strain
• Severe overbite, underbite, or open bite
• Jaw protrusion or retrusion
• Facial asymmetry or imbalance
• Breathing or airway concerns related to jaw position

These conditions often require a combined orthodontic and surgical approach to achieve a stable, healthy result.

Benefits Of Orthognathic Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery can provide both functional and aesthetic benefits, including:

• Improved chewing and speech
• Better bite alignment and jaw stability
• Reduced strain on jaw joints and muscles
• Enhanced facial balance and profile
• Improved breathing in select cases
• Greater confidence and comfort in everyday life

For many patients, the improvements go beyond appearance and lead to meaningful changes in quality of life.

How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work With Jaw Surgery?

Orthodontic care is a critical part of orthognathic surgery. Treatment typically occurs in phases:

• Orthodontic preparation before surgery to align the teeth
• Surgical repositioning of the jaw by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon
• Orthodontic refinement after surgery to finalize bite alignment

Throughout this process, Drs. Stephen and Colby Bradford remain actively involved, coordinating care and ensuring treatment progresses smoothly.

Do All Jaw Problems Require Surgery?

Not every jaw or bite issue requires orthognathic surgery. Advances in orthodontic treatment allow many patients to achieve excellent results with:

• Braces
• Clear aligners
• Growth modification in younger patients

During your consultation, your bite, jaw position, and facial balance are carefully evaluated. If surgery is recommended, it is because a combined approach offers the most stable, functional outcome.

What Types Of Jaw Corrections Are Common?

Depending on your diagnosis, orthognathic surgery may include:

• Advancing or repositioning the lower jaw
• Moving the upper jaw forward, backward, up, or down
• Correcting Class II or Class III jaw relationships
• Treating anterior open bites
• Adjusting jaw height to improve bite contact and facial proportions

Each correction is digitally planned to ensure precise movements and long-term stability.